Tan Luhua immediately recalled the young gentleman she had seen at the wedding banquet—dashing and elegant, with eyes that seemed to speak and captivate. Her heart fluttered, and she rose to say, "Quickly invite him in." No sooner had the words left her mouth than she felt it improper and added, "Wait." Pacing twice around the room, she beckoned Cai Feng over and whispered, "Go check inside—has Second Master fallen asleep?" Cai Feng soon returned to report, "Second Master is already sound asleep. Should I wake him, Mistress?"
Tan Luhua replied, "Last night, Second Master got up during the night and coughed for a long while before settling back to sleep. Now that he’s finally tired and resting, how can we disturb him and drain his energy? Go invite the guest in. Third Master Dai is Second Master’s literary friend—it’s fine to receive him."
Dai Rong stood outside the door, hands tucked in his sleeves. When a maid emerged to usher him inside, his heart leaped with joy. He hurried into the room and saw Tan Luhua: her hair was swept into a sleek chignon, loosely adorned with a crimson peony. She wore a peach-red jacket embroidered with mandarin ducks and a faded-red skirt patterned with the Eight Auspicious Treasures, beneath which glimpses of lake-blue embroidered shoes peeked out. Lightly powdered, her face glowed like peach blossoms. Dai Rong beamed, offering a deep bow and repeated greetings.
Tan Luhua returned a radiant smile, observing Dai Rong in his dark gray satin straight robe, cinched with a gold brocade belt that accentuated his fair skin, red lips, and dashing charm. Her heart skipped several beats. She guided him to a seat and ordered the maid to serve tea. As they sat, their eyes met—Dai Rong’s gaze was fixed and intense. A shiver ran through Tan Luhua, a tingling sensation rising within her. She cleared her throat softly and asked, "What brings you here, Young Master Dai?"
Dai Rong smiled. "Last time, I happened to meet Second Madam Xuan at your residence, and she kindly invited me to visit. I also admire Second Master Xuan’s literary reputation, so I came to make his acquaintance." He placed a stack of items on the table and pushed them forward. "These are a few books, along with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones—just a small token of my regard."
Tan Luhua laughed lightly. "Young Master Dai, there’s no need for such courtesy. My husband is unwell and unable to receive guests—please forgive us."
A sly glint flickered in Dai Rong’s eyes as he thought, "What a woman—her words suggest interest." He felt utterly captivated and replied with a smile, "I’ve long heard Second Master Xuan’s health is frail. What a pity for a lady as accomplished and spirited as you."
Tan Luhua sighed. "What can be done? We women have no autonomy, while men are free to love one after another."
Dai Rong chuckled softly. "That’s precisely why I feel indignant on your behalf, Second Mistress. With your looks and character, to be married to an invalid… It shows how imperfect the world is—a clever wife paired with a clumsy husband. Men may be philanderers, but I am a devoted one, yet I too lack a suitable match."
Tan Luhua burst into laughter, slanting her eyes at him. "You? Devoted?" She waved her silk fan. "I haven’t seen any evidence of that."
Dai Rong sighed. "My reputation outside is all gossip—what do they know of the truth? If the ogress by my bedside had even half your charm and grace, I’d worship her like a bodhisattva and never glance elsewhere." His eyes fixed intently on her as he spoke.Tan Luhua had never encountered such a situation before. She saw Dai Rong's eyes glistening with deep affection, coupled with a face full of charm. As the saying goes, "Women love bad boys," and nine out of ten women in the world are drawn to handsome, fickle rogues. Dai Rong was a prime example of this—his three-parts roguish smile only made him more captivating. Tan Luhua's face flushed crimson in an instant, and she froze, her heart racing uncontrollably. Emboldened by his audacity and seeing the maid standing at a distance, Dai Rong reached out under the table, grabbed Tan Luhua's hand, and whispered, "Someone like you, Second Mistress, is one in a hundred. I’ve been thinking of you day and night." As he spoke, he gently stroked her palm.
Tan Luhua was startled, nearly crying out in alarm. She struggled frantically, and Dai Rong took the opportunity to release her hand. She quickly withdrew it, her fingers still tingling with residual warmth. Overwhelmed with embarrassment and panic, her body went weak, and she stood up flustered, saying, "Since my husband is unwell, please take your leave, Young Master Dai."
Dai Rong, however, acted as if nothing had happened, smiling calmly and saying, "Second Mistress, don’t rush to send me away. It’s not easy for me to visit." He then took a brocade box from his sleeve and pushed it toward Tan Luhua. "This small gift is but a token of my respect. Would you care to see if it catches your eye?"
Tan Luhua steadied herself. In her earlier panic, she had only wanted to drive Dai Rong away, but now, seeing the exquisitely crafted box, curiosity got the better of her. She sat back down and opened it. Inside lay a gold hairpin adorned with pearls and cloud-shaped feet—its design was novel and intricate, the tiny pearls round, smooth, and radiant, making it exceptionally refined. Tan Luhua couldn’t tear her eyes away. Though she owned several pieces of jewelry more valuable than this, the hairpin still stirred a deep fondness in her.
Observing her expression, Dai Rong secretly rejoiced and said eagerly, "This hairpin was crafted in the imperial palace, bestowed by noble ladies. Look at these four pearls, Second Mistress—though small, they are flawlessly matched in size and perfection. Such a piece is hard to come by. Only something like this is worthy of someone of your stature."
If Tan Luhua had initially been drawn to Dai Rong’s good looks and smooth talk, merely intending to engage in some flirtatious banter to ease her boredom, his gift of the hairpin now revealed his wealth and generosity. Her perception of him shifted entirely—here was a man who was both charmingly handsome and extravagantly rich, a perfect combination. Her heart pounded like thunder. Glancing around, she saw her trusted maid, Cai Feng, still standing by the door at a distance. She gave a meaningful look and called out, "Go to the back and prepare some snacks for Young Master Dai."
Cai Feng understood and withdrew to guard outside the door.
Tan Luhua closed the lid of the brocade box and pushed it back toward Dai Rong, feigning a smile as she said, "This is too valuable a gift. I cannot accept it without having done anything to deserve it."Before the word "decline" could fully leave her lips, Dai Rong reached out and pressed his hand over Tan Luhua's on the brocade box. With meaningful glances and a suggestive smile, he said, "Don't. If Second Mistress won't accept it, who else would be worthy of wearing it?" He then boasted, "Though such jewelry is hard to come by, I do have some means. In the future, whatever jewels or ornaments Second Mistress fancies, just tell me—it's no trouble at all. If Second Mistress knows how to cherish others, that would be more than enough for me." Seeing that Tan Luhua didn't resist too much, he took her hand in his, stroking it gently as he lowered his head to examine it. "Let me see what rings and bracelets Second Mistress wears. If they're old, I'll bring a new set next time."
With her hand held by Dai Rong, Tan Luhua felt her whole body go weak, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through her. She pushed him away, saying, "Be proper. The maids will be coming and going, and our Second Master is asleep in the room."
Dai Rong laughed. "Why fear that?" Seeing Tan Luhua's flushed cheeks, which made her even more captivating than usual, he felt greatly stirred. But this wasn't the place for such talk, so he lowered his voice and said with a smile, "Second Mistress stays cooped up in the mansion all day—don't you find it stifling? I've recently acquired some exotic goods from overseas, quite rare. I'd like to invite Second Mistress to come take a look."
Tan Luhua hesitated. "How could I possibly go out?"
Dai Rong replied, "I may be of little talent, but I own a fabric shop on Dongheyan Street called 'Liduan Zhai.' The overseas goods are stored there. If Second Mistress is interested, come to the shop the day after tomorrow. I'll be there to welcome you with open arms." With that, he gave her hand a squeeze, cast her a flirtatious glance, and took his leave.
After returning home from the Lin Family that day, Dai Rong, to coax silver from Zhao Yuechan, recounted this unusual encounter. Zhao Yuechan, who was all too eager to see the Lin Family in turmoil, urged him to seduce Tan Luhua, saying, "If you don't seize such an opportunity, are you even a man? That Madam Tan was quite famous even before her marriage—many princes and noble sons talked about her in private. If you have a fleeting romance with her, your life wouldn't be in vain."
Dai Rong laughed. "No matter how charming she is, she's now a woman of the Lin Family. I'm afraid of getting into trouble."
Zhao Yuechan sneered, "What's there to fear? Do it discreetly, and no one will find out. When you grow tired of her later, just take your silver and go traveling abroad. Stay away for three to five years—do you think Madam Tan would publicize this affair?" She then lavished praise on Tan Luhua's talent and beauty.
Dai Rong couldn't help but be tempted. Recalling Tan Luhua's affectionate demeanor that day, he felt an itch in his heart and devised a plan to visit the Lin Family. After he left, Tan Luhua found herself unable to sit or stand still. One moment she opened the brocade box to look at the hairpin inside, the next she closed it. She put the hairpin in her hair, only to feel restless and take it out, locking it in a drawer. But before long, she couldn't resist pulling the drawer open again, taking the hairpin out to toy with it, her mind utterly distracted.Soon after Lin Jinxuan woke up, Cai Ming called Tan Luhua into the room to attend to him. After drinking half a cup of tea, Lin Jinxuan couldn't suppress a coughing fit. Tan Luhua hurriedly patted his back and fetched a spittoon. Seeing his pale complexion, a wave of disgust suddenly rose in her heart. She felt that having to endure this so soon after marriage made her wonder how she would survive the long years ahead. She withdrew her hand and went to the side chamber where she shed tears, wiping them haphazardly with a handkerchief. As she washed her face at the bronze basin, she saw reflected in the water a pretty face in the bloom of youth, with that gold-cloud-patterned hairpin nestled in her jet-black hair.
Tan Luhua slowly clenched the handkerchief in her hand and beckoned Cai Feng inside, whispering: "Tomorrow I'm going visiting - to my sister's house. Have the sedan chair prepared."
The next day, after helping Lin Jinxuan finish his breakfast, Tan Luhua mentioned her plan to visit her sister. Worried she might feel stifled at home, Lin Jinxuan agreed and even ordered some gifts to be prepared. Tan Luhua took only her personal maid Cai Feng with her, leaving all others behind. After paying a brief visit to her sister, she directed the sedan to Dongheyan Street where she indeed spotted the fabric shop. She ordered the sedan to stop and entered the store.
Dai Rong was overjoyed to see Tan Luhua and had the shopkeeper lead her to the back. Upon entering, Tan Luhua found the room completely different from the outside - with incense burning in precious censers, flowers arranged in golden vases, brocade curtains and embroidered hangings, and an eastern bed draped with python-patterned silk. In the center stood a table laden with delicacies like dragon liver and phoenix marrow, accompanied by jade cups filled with fine wine.
Dai Rong, dressed in splendid robes more elegant than usual, warmly offered her a seat upon her entry. Smiling, he said: "You've kept me waiting so long, madam - you should be punished with three drinks first." He personally poured a cup of wine and handed it to her.
Tan Luhua replied: "If you insist I drink, I'll leave immediately." Yet she remained seated.
Dai Rong laughed: "How thoughtless of me! I'll punish myself with a drink instead." Tipping his head back, he drained the cup and praised: "Excellent wine!"
Seeing his bold manner, Tan Luhua couldn't help smiling. Dai Rong then urged her to try the dishes, explaining: "This was prepared by the chef from Longxiangchang - the top-ranked of Beijing's 'Eight Great Ji Xiang' establishments. Even imperial princes order banquets from this place when they go out. This is their specialty - please honor me by tasting it." He placed a morsel in the gold-flecked small plate before her.
When had Tan Luhua ever seen a man so humble? Though Lin Jinxuan was gentle by nature, he was constantly ill and required her constant attention. Feeling pleased by the attention, she picked up her chopsticks and took a few bites.
Dai Rong pressed more wine on her: "I'm no stranger - I've always admired you. If you won't share a drink with me, you must have a heart of stone!"
He praised her fair skin, her peach-blossom beauty, her graceful figure, her fine clothing and jewelry - complimenting everything from head to toe until he'd elevated her to celestial status. Tan Luhua, who loved flattery, felt thoroughly pleased and began recounting her own cleverness and popularity, her mastery of music, chess, calligraphy and painting. Dai Rong took the opportunity to offer more praise, gradually persuading her to drink several more cups.The wine was strong, and as its effects took hold, Tan Luhua's face flushed crimson, her unrestrained emotions growing more intense. Her eyes, fixed on Dai Rong, seemed to shimmer with moisture. Dai Rong shifted his chair closer to her and said with a smile, "Let me show you a rare treasure from overseas." He drew a small box from his sleeve and opened it, revealing a neatly folded handkerchief embroidered with various erotic scenes in different positions. Though not exquisitely detailed, the images were remarkably vivid.
Tan Luhua stared in stunned silence, feeling her entire body grow increasingly feverish. Sensing the moment was ripe, Dai Rong embraced her and kissed her, exclaiming, "My dear lady, you truly captivate me!"
At first, Tan Luhua resisted, but Dai Rong held her firmly and continued kissing her. Gradually, her struggles turned into half-hearted compliance until she finally stilled, her face flushing even deeper. She tugged at his sleeve and asked, "Do you truly care for me?"
Dai Rong swore vehemently, "If I speak even a sliver of falsehood, may lightning strike me dead!" Without further ado, he pressed her onto the bed and they indulged in passion. After their intimacy, they clung to each other, exchanging vows of eternal devotion. Tan Luhua, now awakened to the pleasures of the bedchamber, grew increasingly attached to Dai Rong. He, still reveling in the novelty, showered her with sweet nothings and made countless empty promises. A seasoned libertine, he effortlessly charmed her into a daze. They arranged their next meeting, and Tan Luhua left him one of her bracelets as a token of affection, taking two pieces of cloth as a pretext before parting reluctantly.
From then on, they carried on their illicit affair. To facilitate their trysts, Tan Luhua rented a room near the side gate of Kangshou Residence. She would sneak out to meet Dai Rong while Lin Jinxuan was sound asleep. Operating discreetly, she kept the key to herself, and aside from her personal maid Cai Feng, no one else was aware. Consumed by guilt over her infidelity, Tan Luhua treated Lin Jinxuan with even greater kindness, attending meticulously to his every need—food, clothing, and daily affairs. Their relationship grew harmonious, and others praised Tan Luhua for her virtue, though little did they know.
Meanwhile, Xianglan, having finished assisting with Lin Jinting's wedding, spent her leisure time painting at home. About a week later, she received a letter from Qin Shi. It turned out that Yuan Shaoren and Lin Dongxiu's wedding was approaching, and Qin Shi intended to personally escort Lin Dongxiu to the capital to prepare for the marriage.
(Xiao He has a Weibo account—search for He Yanshan to find it ^_^)
Thank you to damuduck for the He's Jade Disc, 讨厌吃生鱼片 for the sachet, qian20051978 for the five Peace Talismans, and 门前买菜的老奶奶, 讨厌吃生鱼片, 青菜书虫子, and 爱兰2014 for the Peace Talismans. Also, thank you all for the pink votes ^_^
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